Our Local Community Funds (also known as Geographic Funds) are truly a hallmark of our place-based giving mission. These funds are established by people who live in a defined community (be it a town or a county in western Colorado) who raise funds through special events and individual donations and then run a grants process to distribute funds to local nonprofits.
The WCCF Board is committed to building the number of these funds and commits initial grant funds and staff support to bolster local efforts. We also provide back office administration, from grants administration and planned giving expertise to endowment investment. A representative from each community fund serves on our regional Foundation’s board and provides input and perspective for the seven-county region we serve.
This year we launched new community funds in the North Fork Valley (eastern Delta County) – the West Elk Community Fund – and in Silverton – the San Juan County Community Fund. We now manage five such funds. We view these funds as a great vehicle to encourage and inspire local philanthropy and give back to the community that many people care about the most – their home!